Inflatable airfoils, and elevated and propulsion driven vehicles

ABSTRACT

An aeronautical apparatus, the combination comprising a primary airfoil having at least one panel which is an upper panel, a lower panel, and multiple gas containing tubes associated with the airfoil and extending lengthwise thereof, the tubes including relatively larger cross-section tubes positioned chordwise of the airfoil, and relatively smaller cross-section positioners located to stabilize the relatively larger cross-section tubes.

This is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 10/035,856 now U.S. Pat.No. 6,508,436.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to aeronautical apparatus, and moreparticularly to inflated structure that form airfoils containinginflated tubing, configured to provide lift when propelled forwardly,for lifting various loads.

There is need for simple, inflatable structure that, when propelledforwardly, will provide lift for various loads, as for recreational andother purposes. No prior aeronautical apparatus of which I am awareprovides the unusually advantageous features of construction, modes ofoperation, and results, as are provided by the apparatus disclosedherein, for meeting the described need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a major object of the invention to provide improved aeronauticalapparatus meeting the above need, and embodying advantageous structuresas will appear. Basically the apparatus of the invention comprises:

a) a primary airfoil, having at least one panel which is

i) an upper panel

ii) a lower panel

b) multiple inflated tubes protectively associated with the airfoil andextending lengthwise thereof,

c) the tubes including

i) relatively larger cross-section tubes positioned chordwise of theairfoil,

ii) relatively smaller cross-section tubes positioned to stabilize suchrelatively larger diameter tubes.

As will appear, the smaller cross-section tubes are spaced apart aboutat least some of the larger cross section tubes, to provide airfoilstability. At least some of the smaller diameter tubes are connected toat least some of the larger diameter tubes.

Another object is to provide the airfoil to have opposite ends andincluding chordwise extending structures at such opposite ends andconnected to one or more of the following:

i) the upper panel

ii) the lower panel

iii) ends of the relatively larger diameter tubes

iv) ends of the relatively smaller diameter tubes.

Such chordwise extending structures may be inflated, and are connectedto ends of one or more of the following:

i) the upper panel

ii) the lower panel

iii) ends of the relatively larger diameter tubes

iv) ends of the relatively smaller diameter tubes.

Such end structures typically and advantageously project generallyforwardly of a line defined by the generally lengthwise extendingleading edge of the airfoil, and also project generally rearwardly of aline defined by the generally lengthwise extending trailing edge of theairfoil.

Another object is to provide tethers supported by the airfoil, thosetethers supporting loading, as for example may include recreationalvehicles or elements.

A further object is to provide an intermediate chordwise extendinginflatable structure located between such airfoil opposite ends, andprojecting forwardly and rearwardly of the airfoil. As will be seen theairfoil may be configured to be laterally generally straight, or mayhave swept-back V shape at opposite sides of the intermediate structure.That intermediate structure may carry flight control structure orsurfaces located rearwardly of the airfoil and extending transverselyrelative to said structures. The flight control surface may include oneof the following:

i) a panel or panels

ii) a secondary airfoil or airfoils.

One of such surfaces may comprise a rudder, and it may in turn includeinternal inflatable tubing.

An additional object is to provide at least some of the airfoil tubingto comprise tubular sections having gas filled compartmental interiorsthere being walls in the tubes blocking gas flow communication betweensaid interiors.

Further, the airfoil internal tubings may include both largercross-section tubes and smaller cross-section tubes extend proximatesaid at least one panel in supporting relation therewith; and the tubingsupported panel may comprise an upper panel or membrane, which is theonly such membrane, and i.e. the tubings are downwardly exposed.

Yet another object is to provide flight controls operatively connectedto said control panel or panels to controllably tilt same.

A yet further object is to provide at least one of the following loadsto be tether supported by the inflatable airfoil:

a) a seat for a human rider,

b) a wheeled vehicle,

c) a ski or skis,

d) a boat,

e) a skid or skids,

f) a boat hull and a hydrofoil or hydrofoils carried by the hull.

Propeller apparatus associated with such loads may comprise one of thefollowing:

i) a propeller and a drive therefor,

ii) a rocket

iii) a ground surface engaging wheel or wheels and a drive therefor.

Selector mechanism may be provided to enable the operator to selectwhich of several propulsion systems is to be employed.

An added object is to provide a novel and useful combination ofstructural elements comprising:

a) a wheeled vehicle to be propelled by pedaling, and including pedaldriven mechanism,

b) a propeller carried by the vehicle to be rotated in response topedaling, thereby to provide thrust to propel the vehicle forwardly,

c) an airfoil operatively connected to the vehicle to exert lift inresponse to forward propulsion of the vehicle.

As will be seen, at least one gas container may be associated with thevehicle, and may be located in the airfoil whereby buoyant gas suppliedto the interior of the container or containers will exert lifttransmitted to the airfoil and to the vehicle; and such lift may besufficient to substantially overcome the weight of the vehicle.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as thedetails of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understoodfrom the following specification and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one variation of an inflatable airfoilembodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a variation of a sectional view of the inflatable airfoilshown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views taken on lines 3—3 and 4—4 shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another variation of the inventedinflatable airfoil;

FIG. 6 is a variation of a sectional view taken on lines 6—6 shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on lines 7—7 shown in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are isometric views of other formsor variations of the invented inflatable airfoil and associatedstructure;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on lines 16—16 shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 17 is a section variation taken on lines 17—17 of FIGS. 13, 14 and22;

FIG. 18 is another variation like the sectional view shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is another variation of the sectional view shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is another variation of the sectional view shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken on lines 21—21 shown in FIGS. 19 and20;

FIG. 22 is an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 23 is a partial isometric view of a control surface which can beused as a rudder, elevator or aileron, with respect to the airfoil as inFIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view which shows apparatus as disclosed and usedas a glider;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view which shows apparatus as disclosed, used asa powered glider;

FIG. 26 is an isometric view which shows apparatus as disclosed and usedwith a propeller driven vehicle, the device operable as an ultralightaircraft;

FIG. 26a is a fragmentary view showing jet propulsion;

FIG. 27 is an isometric view which shows apparatus as disclosed, andused with a propeller driven vehicle, the device operable as anultralight aircraft, with ailerons;

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a propeller driven human poweredbicycle, to be elevated using an airfoil or airfoils as disclosed;

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a pedaling system for the propellerdriven human powered bicycle of FIG. 28; the right side pedaling systemof the bicycle is shown, the left side pedaling system being a mirrorimage of the right side pedaling system;

FIG. 30 is an isometric exploded view of the pedaling system shown inFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 type apparatus onfloats;

FIG. 32 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 type apparatus on asled system;

FIG. 33 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 type apparatus on askid system;

FIG. 34 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 type apparatus onfloats with hydrofoils;

FIG. 35 is a partially broken, isometric view which shows details of abrake used with an oar system for the apparatus as shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is an isometric view which shows the FIG. 28 apparatus on floatswith hydrofoils; and

FIG. 37 shows airfoil tubes 54 and 54 a in lengthwise sections separatedby panels, whereby accidental deflection of any one section will notsubstantially reduce stabilized buoyancy provided by the entire airfoil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The basic aeronautical apparatus, as shown in the drawings, comprises

a) a primary airfoil, having at least one panel which is

i) an upper panel

ii) a lower panel

b) multiple inflated tubes protectively associated with the airfoil andextending lengthwise thereof,

c) said tubes including

i) relatively larger cross-section tubes positioned chordwise of theairfoil,

ii) relatively smaller cross-section tubes positioned to stabilize saidrelatively larger diameter tubes.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, an example comprises an inflatableairfoil 10 having an airfoil segment 51 extending between two like endtubes or structures 52, and having many optional suspension lines ortethers 53, which can be flexible or substantially inflexible. Each endtube 52 is made of an airtight flexible membrane or membrane panels. Afabric or net 52 a is optionally wrapped around the end tube to enhanceits strength. The end tube may have various diameters along its length,although constant diameter end tubes are shown in the drawings.

The airfoil segment 51 typically consists of many segment tubes 54contained between upper and lower membrane panels 56 and 56 a,configured as an airfoil. See also the segment tension tail 55. Eachsegment tube is also made of an airtight flexible membrane such asplastic material. A fabric or net may be optionally wrapped around thetube to enforce its strength. The segment tubes have variouscross-sections or diameters as shown, and include larger tubes 54 andsmaller tubes 54 a acting as stabilizers. Four tubes 54 a preferablystabilize certain larger tubes 54. The segment tubes are preferablyconnected to each other along their lengths, as by bonding.

The segment tubes may be cylindrical and so arranged that they formtruss-like supports relative to each other. The airfoil segment 51 whichthe segment tubes internally support therefore is stabilized. Thesegment tension tail 55 maybe a tube, a rope or string with oppositeends connected to the end tubes 52. The airfoil segment skin is a fabricor membrane as for example plastic, which wraps around and connects withthe inter-connected segment tubes and the segment tension tail 55. Thesegment skin also connects with the end tubes 52. The compressive forcesof the ends (57, FIG. 3) of the inflated segment tubes 54 and 54 aagainst the sides of the inflated end tubes 52, and the internalpressure of the end tubes, will keep the selected length segment tensiontail 55 held close to a straight line. When the tubes 54 and 54 a arewrapped by the segment skin, and when the tubes are inflated, thetension of the segment tension tail (which is end-connected to tubes 52)will force the segment skin rearwardly away from the last segment tube(58FIG. 2) in the sequence. Since the segment tension tail 55 is sosmall in size, it can form a relatively sharp-edged trailing edge forthe airfoil. Spaces within the airfoil but outside the tubes may also beinflated. The diameters of the segment tubes and their connections willbe so selected that when the end tubes and the segment tubes areinflated, they together with the segment tension tail and the segmentskins 56 and 56 a will form an airfoil as shown. Suspension lines ortethers 53 are provided and may comprise a string or strings or a ropewhich is or are end-connected with the segment skin. The connectionpoints of the suspension lines to the segment skin will be spaced apartat the bottom side of the airfoil segment. The lower ends of thesuspension lines will either be joined together or will connect withtraveling structure to be described later. Representative inflationdevices for the tubes appear at 400, in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, another variation comprises an airfoilsegment 60, as described above, two end tubes 61 and many optionalsuspension lines 62. This variation of the invented inflatable airfoilis similar to the first variation. The principle difference being thatthe opposite ends 61 a of the cylindrical end tubes 62 have cone shape.Tubes 62 are inflatable, and support the ends of the tubes in theairfoil.

Referring to FIG. 8, the inflatable airfoil 63 includes two laterallyextending airfoil segments 64, two longitudinally extending end tubes65, a middle tube 66 extending longitudinally, and many optionalsuspension lines 67 connected to 63, 65 and 66. The airfoil segments,the end tubes and the suspension lines are identical to those of thefirst variation of the inflatable airfoil. The middle tube has aconstruction like that of the end tubes. The middle tube can beconsidered as a shared end tube among two adjacent inflatable airfoils64. Based on this description, although it is not shown in the drawings,an inflatable airfoil can consist of “n” (a number) of airfoil segments,two end tubes, “n−1” intermediate tubes, and many suspension lines.

Referring to FIG. 9, the inflatable airfoil 68 comprises two airfoilsegments 69, two end tubes 70, a middle tube 71 and many optionalsuspension lines 72. This variation is almost identical to the variationshown in FIG. 8, the principle difference between these two variationsbeing that the forward and rearward ends of the end tubes and of themiddle tube(s) of the FIG. 9 variation have cone shape.

Referring to FIG. 10, the inflatable airfoil 73 comprises two airfoilsegments 74, two end tubes 75, a middle tube 76 and many optionalsuspension lines 77. This variation is almost identical to the variationshown in FIG. 8 except that airfoil section endwise sweep 78 exists forthe FIG. 10 variation. The ends of the end tubes and the middle tube(s)may be cone-shaped, as in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 16, the inflatable airfoil 79 comprises anairfoil segment 80 as in FIGS. 1-3, two end tubes 81, a laterallyextending tail plate 82, and many optional suspension lines 83. Theairfoil segment and the suspension lines are like those describedearlier. The longitudinal end tubes 81 for this variation are longerthan those previously described, to accommodate tail plate 82 which is amembrane having opposite ends connected to elongated portions of the endtubes 81. The tail plate may serve as a stabilizer for the inflatableairfoil 80.

Referring to FIG. 12, the inflatable airfoil 84 comprises two likelaterally extending airfoil segments 85, as in FIGS. 1-3, twolongitudinally elongated end tubes 86, and many optional suspensionlines 87. The airfoil segments and the suspension lines are identical tothose described earlier. The end tubes are elongated. At each end thetwo airfoil segments connect with each end tube near an end thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 17, the inflatable airfoil 88 comprises twoairfoil segments 89, two end tubes 90, an elongated middle tube 91,several stabilizer tail plates 92, and multiple optional suspensionlines 93. The airfoil segments, the end tubes and the suspension linesare identical to those described earlier. The middle tube has aconstruction similar to that of the end tube, except that the middletube is elongated. The tail plates are mounted near the rearwardmost endof the middle tube. Each of the tail plates 92 consists of many inflatedtubes 94 joined longitudinally at locations 94 a and wrapped by amembrane 95. The tail plates may serve as stabilizers or fins for theinflatable airfoil 88. The middle tube 91 can be considered as theshared end tube between two adjacent inflatable airfoils of the firstvariation. Based on this description, although it is not shown in thedrawings, an inflatable airfoil can consist of “n” (a number) airfoilsegments, two end tubes, “n−1” middle tubes, many tail plates and manysuspension lines.

Referring to FIG. 14, the inflatable airfoil 96 comprises two airfoilsegments 97, two end tubes 98, and elongated middle tube 99, multipletail plates 100, and many optional suspension lines 101. This variationis almost identical to the variation shown in FIG. 13, the principledifference being that the ends of the end tubes and the middle tube(s)of the FIG. 14 variation have cone shape.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 22, the inflatable airfoil 102 comprises twoairfoil segments 103, two end tubes 104, a middle tube 105, multipletail plates 106, bracing lines 107, and many optional suspension lines108. The airfoil segments, the end tubes and the suspension lines areidentical to those described earlier. The middle tube 105 hasconstruction similar to that of the end tube 104 except that the middletube is enlarged and elongated. The tail plate or plates 106 are mountednear the rearward end of the middle tube 105. The tail plates are thesame as those shown in FIG. 17. The bracing lines 107 with ends areconnected with each of the airfoil segments. The bottom portion of themiddle tube 105 retains the laterally extending bracing lines 107, sothat the bracing lines and the middle tube together provide bracing tothe two swept airfoil segments. The bottom of the middle tube may bereinforced with additional thickness of membrane. The bracing lines 107are spaced apart away from tube 105 so that they can exert substantiallythe same forces on the airfoil segments. The connections of the bracinglines with the airfoil segments are similar to those of the suspensionlines described for the aforementioned inflatable airfoils. The upperends of the suspension lines 108 may connect with the middle tube, orthe undersides of the airfoil segments, or both. This variation may haveairfoils with back or forward sweeps at 109 and dihedrals 100. Thisvariation may also optionally have cones at the ends of the end tubes orthe middle tube.

Referring to FIG. 18, an alternative tail plate 111 consists ofspaced-apart inflated tubes 112 connected by membranes 113. Thisalternative tail plate may replace those described in FIGS. 13, 14 and15.

The invented devices shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 13, 14 and 15 mayoptionally have dihedrals as in FIG. 22, although none of them areshown. Also, the tail plates described in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 may becomecanards if located in front of the leading edges of the airfoilsegments, i.e. these are equivalents.

Although not shown, in lieu of being inflatable tubes, the end tubesand/or the middle tubes of all of the inflatable airfoils may be ofrigid structure form or forms. For an example, an airfoil segment may beenclosed by two rigid shells which may form a cylinder when the airfoilsegment is not inflated. When the airfoil segment is inflated, the endsof its segment tubes will push apart the two shells. The segment tail bywhich each end is mounted onto each shell will be pushed tightlystraight. This will form the combined airfoil segment and the end shellsas an airfoil. As another example, a deflated airfoil can be enclosedinside an automobile body the side panels of which could be used as theend tubes of the inflatable airfoil. The automobile may have engines andpropulsion propellers. When the inflatable airfoil is inflated, theautomobile becomes the middle tube of the invented inflatable airfoil.The bracing lines may extend from one airfoil segment through orunderneath the automobile body to the other airfoil segment, in themanner shown in FIG. 15. This would connect the automobile to airplane.The optional suspension lines for this example will not be needed.Inflation gas or gases for the described tubes may include helium, air,hydrogen, or other gases. The sizes of the airfoil and end tubes arechosen to develop lift needed to elevate the load at propulsion speed.

Referring to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 they show sectional views of avariation of the airfoil segments described previously. This airfoilsegment consists of several larger segment tubes 115, several smallerstabilizing segment tubes 115 a, and a segment upper skin or panel 116.The tubes 115 and 119 arc downwardly opening exposed. A segment tube ismade of airtight flexible membrane. A fabric or net may be optionallywrapped around the tube to enforce its strength. The segment tubes havevarious diameters. The segment tubes are longitudinally connected alongtheir lateral lengths, to each other, as at locations 115 b and 115 c,and as by bonding. The ends of the segment tubes connect with the endtubes 117, as by bonding. The segment skin is a fabric or membrane (forexample plastic film) whose frontal portion is laid and mounted on topsof the segment tubes. The lateral edges of the segment skin 120 areconnected to the end tubes 117. The lateral edges of the tail portion118 of the segment skin are connected to the end tubes 117 tangentiallyfrom the nearest segment tube 119. Together with the bundle of thesegment tubes and the forcing of the ends of the inflated segment tubesagainst the inflated end tubes, the segment skin 120 will be underproper tension and will form an airfoil like segment. The suspensionlines 121 connect to the segment tubes and the concave under portion ofthe segment skin.

Referring to FIG. 23, an inflatable airfoil segment 123 has a controlsurface 122 which can be used as an aileron, an elevator or a rudder forthe inflatable airfoil. The control surface consists of severalinflatable tubes 125, membranes 126, control line holding projections orrings 127, control lines 128, and control line passing projections orrings 129. The inflatable tubes are made of airtight membranes and areinflatable. An inflatable tube when inflated has a “U”-shaped or“E”-shaped footprint or outline, as shown. The membrane 126 wraps acrossthe inflatable tubes and forms the surfaces between legs of theinflatable tubes. The membrane also extends from the inflatable tubesand joins the control surface 122 to the airfoil segment 123. Thejoining surface is shown as 130 on FIG. 23. A control line holding ringis a tab or projection with a hole on it. The control line holding ringis mounted near the ends of the inflatable tubes. A control line passingring is also a tab or projection with a hole. The control line passingring is mounted on the surface of the airfoil segment. The control lineis a string or a rope. One end of each control line is connected with acontrol line holding ring. The other end of the control line is eitherjoined with another control line or joined with some operable devicewhich will be described later. The control lines pass through the holesof the control line passing rings.

In using the control surface, the control line on one side, say, the topside, of the control surface is pulled, while the control line on theother side, say, the bottom side, of the control surface will bereleased. This action will cause the control line holding rings on thetop side to be pulled closer to the control line passing rings on thetop side. This in turn tilts the control surface upwards. The controlline passing rings not only confine the control lines but also guide themovements of the control lines.

The invented inflatable airfoils described herein can be inflated withgases which are lighter than air. The buoyancy of the inflatable airfoilcan be thus controlled. Depending on the types or mixtures of gases usedto fill the segment tubes, the end tubes, and/or the middle tubes, etc.the vertical tilting angle of the inflatable airfoil can also beadjusted.

Referring to FIG. 24 and as described previously, one end of each of theoptional suspension lines 132 connect with the inflatable airfoil 133while their other ends connect with a harness 134 for a user 135. Theinflatable airfoil then can be used as a glider.

In lieu of the optional suspension lines, the bottom surface of theinflatable airfoil may support several loops made of flexible material.These loops are used as handles. A human user can grasp the loops anduse the inflatable airfoil as a glider or a parachute.

Referring to FIG. 25 and as described previously, one end of each of theoptional suspension lines 136 connects with the inflatable airfoil 137,while the other end connects with a harness 138 for a user 139 whocarries a power pack and a propulsion device such as a propeller 140.The inflatable airfoil then can be used as a powered glider or ultralight aircraft. The power pack can either be provided with an enginewith fuel and control systems, or a motor with battery and controlsystems. i.e. a form of traveling load.

Referring to FIG. 26 and as described previously, one end of each of theoptional suspension lines 141 connects with the inflatable airfoil 142,while the other end connects with a propeller driven human poweredbicycle 143 which will be described later. The inflatable airfoil thencan be used as an ultra light aircraft, propelled by the propeller afterlifting from the ground, where the bicycle is pedaled for propulsion.FIG. 26a shows jet propulsion at 140 a of the bicycle 143.

Referring to FIG. 27 and as described previously, one end of each of theoptional suspension lines 144 connects with the inflatable airfoil 145,while the other end connects with a propeller driven human poweredbicycle 146 which will be described later. Semi-rigid suspension 144 canbe used, or flexible lines. A pair of control surfaces 147,corresponding to those of FIG. 23, are mounted on the inflatable airfoilat its rear edge. The control lines 148 are connected with thecontrolling devices which will be described later. The inflatableairfoil then can be used as an ultra light aircraft with ailerons, usedfor flight control.

Referring to FIG. 28, a propeller driven human powered bicycle 149includes a main frame 150, a front wheel 151, a rear wheel 152, apedaling system 153, a pedal power transmitting system 154, a seat 157,a harness system 158, a front wheel support 160, a front fender 161, arear fender 162, a handle system 165, a brake system 185, a propeller171, and a propeller protective frame 170.

The main frame 150 is generally an elongated flattened “U’-shaped rigidtube with a head tube 186 at one end, gear mounting holes (not shown) onthe other end, many bends, other holes, a part holder 187, many ringanchors 188, two front connecting bars 177 to which airfoil tethers areconnected, two rear connecting bars 176 to which airfoil tethers areconnected, a rear wheel mounting hole 182, and a pedaling systemmounting shell (not shown). The head tube is a short tube on which thetwo front connecting bars extending perpendicularly from two oppositesurfaces. The third surface of the head tube connects with the main tubeof the main frame. Each of the front connecting bars is a short bar withan eye at its far end, and many holes for installations of pulleys (notshown). The part holder is a short tube extending downwards from thebottom of the main frame tube as shown. There are holes on the partholder. The paddling system mounting shell is a short tube near thebottom of the frontal leg of the “U”-shaped main frame. This paddlingsystem mounting shell is similar to a bottom bracket shell of anordinary bicycle. The paddling system mounting shell has threads on itsrims. The ring anchors are short plates extending from the main frame.The free end of each of the ring anchors forms hole. The rear wheelmounting hole is a hole which allows the hub of the rear wheel to bemounted onto the main frame. The two rear connecting bars extendperpendicularly from two opposite surfaces of the tube of the main framenear its end. Each of the rear connecting bar is a short bar with an eyeat its far end. The gear mounting holes and the other holes are holes onthe tube of the main frame for mounting gear boxes or other components.The bends are used so that the surfaces of the mounted front wheel andthe rear wheel as well as the axle of the propeller can be or extend onthe same plane.

The front wheel 151 and the rear wheel 153 may be bicycle wheels. Thefront wheel is a hollow disk wheel while the rear wheel is an ordinaryspoke wheel. The seat 157 is a bucket seat with optional headset. Theseat is mounted on a seat mounting shell 175 which is a clamp with manyholes. Bolts penetrate these holes and their corresponding holes on themain frame. The bolts and nuts and washers lock the seat mounting shellon the main frame. This in turn locks the seat onto the main frame. Theadditional holes on the main frame will allow the seat mounting shell tobe locked at different locations on the main frame, so that thedistances between the seat and the paddling system can be adjusted. Theharness system 158 is an ordinary harness system and is mounted directlyonto the main frame as shown as 159. The front wheel support is a rigidtube with a front wheel mounting hole 181 on one end, a frontal partinsert 180 near its middle, and bends near it's other end. Although asingle tube is shown, the front wheel support could be a fork like thefork of a bicycle. The frontal part insert is a short tube extendingdownwards from the front wheel support. There are holes on the frontalpart insert. The front wheel mounting hole is a hole or a fork in whichthe axle of the front wheel is mounted onto the front wheel support. Theother end with bends of the front wheel support is inserted and mountedinto the head tube of the main frame. The front fender and the rearfender are wheel fenders with braces. The front fender is mounted on thefront wheel support. The free end of its brace is mounted on the frontwheel support at its front wheel mounting hole. The rear wheel fender ismounted onto the main frame. Its brace 189 is mounted on the rear wheelmounting hole of the main frame.

The handle system 165 consists of a front wheel control stem 163 and atelescoping handle bar 172. The front wheel control stem is a rigid tubewhich one end is inserted into and connected to the head tube of themain frame. The other end of the front wheel control stem has a hole.The telescoping handle bar consists of two rigid tubes telescoped eachother. One end of the first tube connects with the front wheel controlstem with its hole by a bolt, a washer and a nut. One end of the secondtube has a handle bar 179 which is a short tube connectedperpendicularly to the second tube. There is a hole at one end of thehandle bar. There are many holes on the first and the second tubes ofthe telescoping handle bar. The two tubes are telescoped to each otherand are connected together by bolts, nuts and washers.

The brake system 185 consists of two brake levers 166, two brake cables205, cable guides (not shown), a front brake 173, a rear brake 174, andassociated structures. The brake system has the same components as thoseof an ordinary bicycle. The propeller 171 is driven by the pedaltransmitting system, which will be described later. The propellerprotective frame is a cage or part of a cage which prevents foreignobjects from being hit by the propeller. Another propulsion device is asmall rocket.

Referring further to FIGS. 29 and 30, the pedaling system consists of anaxle 190, two first sleeves 191, two bearings 192, two locking rings193, two second sleeves 210, two driving plates 194, two third sleeves195, two fourth sleeves 196, two chain rings 197, two fifth sleeves 198,two sixth sleeves 223, four springs 199, two chain ring lockers 200, twopedal arms 201, two pedals 202, and four bolt and washer pairs 203. Thepedaling system can be viewed as composed of two parts, the right partand the left part. The right part of the pedaling system is on the rightside of the main frame while the left side is on its left side. The twoparts are mirror images of each other.

The axle is a short metal bar with a central divide 206, two circularcross-sectional portions 207, two hexagonal cross-sectional portions 208and two end holes 209. The central divide is in the middle of the metalbar. Each of the circular cross-sectional portions is adjacent to thecentral divide. Each of the hexagonal cross-sectional portions isconnected to each of the circular cross-sectional portions. Each of theend holes is at each of the end surfaces of the hexagonalcross-sectional portions. The end holes have threads.

The sleeves, (first through sixth sleeves) are short tubes with variousdiameters and lengths. The bearings are ball bearing packs. The lockingrings are rings which have threads that can engage with theaforementioned threads of the pedaling system mounting shell. Thedriving plate is a circular plate with a hexagonal hole 211 in thecenter and two holes 212 on both sides of the central hole. The chainring is a circular plate with chain teeth 213 along its perimeter. Thechain ring has a central hole 214, two holes 215 on both sides of thecentral hole, two depressed areas 216 next to the two holes 215 and twospring ears 217 which on hollow portions 218 of the chain ring. Thechain ring locker is a plate with a central hole 219, two spring ears, anumber of extruding ears 221, and two locking rods 222. The spring earsand the extruding ears are ears extruding from the rim of the plate. Thelocking rods are rods which extrude perpendicularly from the surface ofthe plate. The locking rods are on the opposite side of the centralhole. The pedal arm is a short bar with holes, a round hole and ahexagonal hole, on each end. The pedal is a traditional bicycle pedal.

Although only one plate is shown in the figures, the chain ring maycomprise multiple plates of chain rings such as a 24-tooth chain ringmounted onto a 36-tooth chain ring with a spacer to keep a proper spacein between.

In assembling of the pedaling system, all components are connected withthe axle. The first sleeves are placed on the axle next to the centraldivide 206. The bearings are then placed adjacent to the first sleeves.Then the axle with the first sleeves and the bearings are placed insidethe pedaling system mounting shell of the main frame and locked in placeby the locking rings with threads that engage with the threads of thepedaling system mounting shell. Then, the second sleeves will be placedon the axle. The first sleeves, the bearings, the locking rings and thesecond sleeves will cover the circular cross-sectional portions of theaxle. The driving plates will then be placed onto the axle. Thehexagonal cross-sectional portions of the axle will fit and penetratethe hexagonal hole 211 of the driving plates. The third sleeves are thenput onto the axle. The fourth sleeves, the chain rings, the fifthsleeves and the chain ring lockers will then be put onto the thirdsleeves. The third sleeves will penetrate the central holes 214 and 219of the chain rings and the chain ring lockers, respectively. The fifthsleeves will penetrate the central holes of the chain ring lockers butwill not penetrate the chain rings. The sixth sleeves are then put ontothe fifth sleeves. The locking rods 222 of the chain ring lockers willpenetrate the holes 215 of the chain rings. One end of each spring willconnect with the spring ear 217 of the chain ring while the other endwill connect with the spring ear 220 of the chain ring locker. The pedalarms then will be mounted on the axle. The hexagonal hole of a pedal armwill be mounted onto the hexagonal cross-sectional portion of the axle.A bolt and a washer which engages with the threads of the end hole 209will keep the pedal arm mounted onto the axle. Other bolts and washerswhich penetrate the other holes of the pedal arms will lock the pedalson the pedal arms.

As mentioned, the central divide of the axle, the first sleeves, thebearings and the locking rings will keep the pedaling system in placewith respect to the main frame. The bearings will provide a proper meansfor the axle and the pedals to turn about. The second sleeves willensure proper spaces between the locking rings and the driving rings.The hexagonal cross-sectional portions of the axle and the hexagonalholes of the driving plates will provide a non-sliding condition for thedriving plates when the pedals are pushed to turn. The third sleeveswill keep the driving plates and the pedal arms in their properpositions. The third sleeves will also provide rounded bases (or axles)for the chain rings and the chain ring lockers. The fourth sleeves willensure proper spaces between the driving plates and the chain rings. Thefifth sleeves will fix the chain rings in places by fixing the distancesbetween the installed pedal arms and the install chain rings. The sixthsleeves will maintain minimum spaces between the chain rings and thechain ring lockers.

When the locking rods 222 of a chain ring locker penetrate through theholes 215 of a chain ring and the holes 212 of a driving plate, thelocking rods provide means to transfer pedaling torque from the drivingplate to the chain ring. When a chain ring locker is pulled away fromthe nearby chain ring; turned or twisted on its central hole; released;and rested on the supports of its locking rods which tips are sited onthe depressed areas 216 of the chain ring, the means which transmittorque from the driving plate to the chain ring is no longer exist. Inthis way, the chain ring will not turn even if the pedaling action isstill continuing.

Corresponding to the pedaling system, the pedal power transmittingsystem also composes of a right part and a left part. Referring to FIG.28, the right part of the pedal power transmitting system consists of achain 156, many guiding rings 155, a gear system 168. The chain and thegear system improves over that of a bicycle. The gear system is enclosedinside an gear box. The gear system also has its switching controlswhich are not shown in the figures. The guide rings are sprockets whichare mounted on holes of ring anchors of the main frame. The guide ringsguide the chain so that the chain can transmit the torque from thepedaling system to the gear system then to the rear wheel.

The left part of the pedal power transmitting system consists of a chain224, many guide rings 225, and a gear system 169. The chain is similarto this of any bicycle. The guide rings are sprockets which are mountedon holes of ring anchors of the main frame. The guide rings guide thechain so that the chain can transmit the torque from the pedaling systemto the gear system then to the propeller. The gear system consists of agear set which includes its switching or selection apparatus (not shown)and a gear box. The gear set is similar to this of any bicycle. The gearset is mounted on the gear box which changes the directions oftransmitted torque (for example 90°) to turn the propeller.

In using the propeller driven human powered bicycle purely as a bicycle,a user firstly makes sure that the locking rods of the chain ringlockers penetrate and join together the chain rings and the drivingplates such that the torque from the pedaling system can be transmittedonto the propeller and the rear wheel. The user then pedals the pedals.After a initial speed is reached, the propeller driven human poweredbicycle will move in a stable manner, in a way just like that of anordinary bicycle in operation. The rider then stops pedaling momentarilyand meanwhile pulls the chain ring locker of the right side pedalingsystem away from the driving plate and the chain ring in turn and letsthe locking rods rest on the depressed areas of the chain ring. Then therider can continuously do the pedaling. At this time, only the propellerwill be continuously spinning, but the rear wheel will no longer supplythe driving power or propulsion. Then only the driven propeller drivesthe bicycle.

A user may also operate the bicycle without using the propeller. In thiscase, the user releases the engagements of the locking rods with thechain ring and the driving plate of the left side pedaling system. Theuser ensures the engagements of the locking rods with the chain ring andthe driving plate of the right side pedaling system. This enablesselective drive of the propeller or the bicycle wheel. The devices shownin FIG. 28 can then be operated as a bicycle.

Referring back to FIG. 26, one end of the suspension lines 141 connectwith the inflatable airfoil while their other ends connect eitherdirectly with the eyes at the front connecting bars and the rearconnecting bars of a propeller driven human powered bicycle, orindirectly connect with extension means, such as cloth belts, which inturns connect with the eyes of the connecting bars. The inflatableairfoil is filled or partially filled with light gases which allow theinflatable airfoil to float in the air. Therefore there is no need forsupports for the wing (the inflatable airfoil). The inflatable airfoilcan also be sized such that majority of the dead weight of the devicesshown in FIG. 26 can be counter-balanced by the buoyancy of the gasesthat fill the inflatable airfoil. Thus the user of the devices shown inFIG. 26 only needs to pedal to lift his/her own weight, forward travelof the apparatus including the airfoil providing lift. This makespossible the use of the apparatus of the invention as an ultra lightaircraft.

In using the devices as shown in FIG. 26, a user firstly makes sure thatthe locking rods of the chain ring lockers penetrate and join togetherthe chain rings and the driving plates such that the torque from thepedaling system can be transmitted onto the propeller and the rearwheel. The user then pedals the pedals. After a initial speed isreached, the propeller driven human powered bicycle will move in astable manner, in a way just like that of an ordinary bicycle inoperations. The rider then stops pedaling momentarily and meanwhilepulls the chain ring locker of the right side pedaling system away fromthe driving plate and the chain ring in turn, and lets the locking rodsrest on the depressed areas of the chain ring. Then the rider cancontinuously do the pedaling, at which time, only the propeller will becontinuously spinning but the rear wheel will no longer supply thedriving power. Then only the propeller drives the devices. As the speedof the apparatus increase, the aerodynamic forces acting on theinflatable airfoil will increase and eventually lift the devices and theuser off the ground. The device then becomes an ultra light aircraft.

The user can adjust the pedaling forces and frequencies to control thelift of the apparatus. The front wheel can be a hollow disk wheel usedas a rudder for the devices, because the disk can deflect the air flowsand make the devices turn. The user can also shift his/her position onthe seat. This will shift the position of the center of gravity of thedevices and the user. Due to the fact that the suspension lines areconnected at four different locations of the main frame, the shifts ofthe center of gravity will help to change the pitches and rolls of theinflatable airfoil. This will provide additional means for the user tocontrol the devices.

The telescoping handle bar and the seat mounting shell provide means fora user to adjust the distances between himself/herself and the pedalsand the handles so that he/she can operate the invented devicescomfortably.

Referring back to FIG. 27, the connections of the suspension lines withthe propeller driven human powered bicycle are the same as thosedescribed for FIG. 26. In FIG. 27, two ailerons and four control linesare introduced. One end of each of the four control lines 148, two onthe top side of each of the ailerons 147 and two on their bottom side,are connected to holes or other structure on the handle bar. The top twolines will pass through a series of control line passing rings (notshown for clarity purposes) and travel forwardly on the top surface ofthe airfoil segment. These two lines will pass through the pulleys onthe opposite side front connecting bars and then connect on the handlebar. The bottom two lines will travel directly from the aileron to passthrough the pulleys on their corresponding side front connecting barsand connect with the handle bar. In this connection way, when the handlebar is pushed left, the handle bar will pull the top control line of theleft aileron while release its bottom control line. This action willcause the left aileron to bend upwards. At the same time, the topcontrol line of the right aileron will be released while its bottomcontrol line is tightened. This action will cause the right aileron tobend downwards. The bending upwards of the left aileron and bendingdownwards of the right aileron will cause the inflatable airfoil to rollin a counterclockwise direction. Meanwhile, the airflow will push thefront wheel rightwards. Together with the ailerons and the front wheelwhich acts as a rudder, making coordinated turns in air for the devicesshown in FIG. 27 becomes possible. The inflatable airfoil then can beused as an ultra light aircraft with ailerons.

The propeller driven human powered bicycle can have auxiliary torquesupply devices which will help to turn the propeller. The auxiliarytorque supply devices can include an electric motor mounted on the gearsystem of the pedal power transmitting system. The auxiliary torquesupply device can be an engine mounted on the gear system of the pedalpower transmitting system. The auxiliary torque supply devices will havetheir own power/fuel supplies and control means mounted on the mainframe.

The propeller driven human powered bicycle may have more than onepedaling system, one pedal power transmitting system, one seat, and oneharness system so that multiple users can ride in tandem.

Referring to FIG. 31, a floating system 229 is mounted onto a propellerdriven human powered bicycle so that it can be used on water surfaces.The floating system consists of a front float system 251, a rear floatsystem 252, and a brake system 245.

The front float system comprises a front float 231, a frontfloat-mounting platform 235, and a front float-mounting frame 236. Thefront float is a cylinder-like body with the front float-mountingplatform mounted on its top. The front float-mounting platform is aplate with sockets 243 mounted on its top. The front float-mountingframe in general is an “H”-shaped rigid frame. There are holes on eachend of the four legs of the front float-mounting frame, used formounting of the front float-mounting frame. One of the top two ends ofthe front float-mounting frame is inserted into the frontal part insert180 of the front wheel support 160 of the propeller driven human poweredbicycle. The other end of the upper two ends of the front float-mountingframe is mounted on the front wheel mounting hole 181 of the propellerdriven human powered bicycle. The bottom two ends of the frontfloat-mounting frame are inserted into the sockets of the frontfloat-mounting platform. All of the insertions are fastened in placeswith bolts, nuts and washers.

The rear float system 252 comprises of a right float 232, a left float233, a rear float-mounting platform 234, a rear float front mountingframe 237 and a rear float rear mounting frame 238. The right float andthe left float are cylinder-like, with the rear float-mounting platformmounted on its top. The rear float-mounting platform is a “D”-shapedplate with many sockets 244 on its top. The rear float front mountingframe comprises an inverted, twisted, generally “U”-shaped frame and arod. There are holes at the ends of the rod and the ends of the legs ofthe “U”-shaped frame. There is also a hole on the middle of the“U”-shaped frame. The “U”-shaped frame is mounted onto the tube of themain frame of the propeller driven human powered bicycle by a bolt, anut and washers 239. The bolt penetrates the hole in the middle of the“U”-shaped frame and the frontal part insert hole 183 (FIG. 28). One endof the rod is inserted into the part holder 187 of the main frame andthe other end is inserted into one of the sockets of the rearfloat-mounting platform. The two legs of the “U”-shaped frame areinserted into two other sockets. The rear float rear mounting frame isgenerally an inverted “U”-shaped frame with a hole in the middle, and ateach end of the two legs. The rear float rear mounting frame is mountedonto the main frame by a bolt, a nut and washers 240. The boltpenetrates the rear part insert hole 184 (FIG. 28) and the middle holeof the “U”-shaped frame. The ends of the two legs of the “U”-shapedframe are inserted into the sockets on the rear float-mounting platform.All of the insertions are secured in place by bolts, nuts and washers.

The brake system 245 comprises a pedal link 248, two pedals 250, and twobrake anchors 246. The pedal link is “U”-shaped plate with a gap, thepedal gap 249, in the middle. The pedals are plates mounted on the tipsof the two legs of the pedal link. There is a hole on one end of each ofthe pedals. The brake anchor comprises a socket 242, an anchoring rod241, and a spring 247. The socket is mounted on top of the rearfloat-mounting platform. The anchoring rod has an enlarged portion atone end and a hole at the other end. The anchoring rods penetrate theholes of the pedals as well as the centers of the springs, and havetheir ends inserted into the sockets. The insertions are secured inplace by bolts, nuts and washers. The enlarged end of the anchoring rodskeep the pedals from being pushed away from the brake anchors by thesprings. The springs push the pedal link up above water. The pedal gapprevents the pedal link from interfering with the movements of thechains 224 (FIG. 28).

The uses of the devices shown in FIG. 31 are different from those of thedevices shown in FIG. 28. Since the devices shown in FIG. 31 are overwater, and the wheels will not be in the water, the main forces to movethe bicycle are provided by pedaling, and by the push or the pull of thepropeller. Because the wheels will be above water, the brake systemwhich works on the wheel will not aid the slowing down or braking of thebicycle. The brake system 245 is therefore provided. During a normaloperation of the bicycle, the springs 247 of the brake anchor will pushthe pedals 250 to their highest positions. However, when the user needsto provide braking to the devices in motion, the user pushes the pedal250 of the brake system downward. This in turn pushes a portion of thepedal link 248 into the water, which provides additional drag to thedevices. A braking action is therefore provided to the devices.

The turns of the front wheel will turn the front float, which willchange the directions of the devices shown in FIG. 31. The devices shownin FIG. 31 can be connected with an inflatable airfoil as shown in FIGS.26 and 27. The combined device then becomes an ultra light floatplane.

Referring to FIG. 32, a sled system 253 can be mounted onto a propellerdriven human powered bicycle so that it can be used on ground coveredwith snow. The sled system comprises a front sled system 254, a rearsled system 255, and a brake system 256. The front sled system comprisesa front sled 257 and a front sled-mounting platform 258. The front sledis tray-like sled and has sockets 259 mounted on its top. The frontsled-mounting frame is the same as the front float-mounting frame of thedevices shown in FIG. 31. The front sled-mounting frame is mounted onthe front wheel support of the propeller driven human powered bicycle.The front sled-mounting frame is inserted into the sockets of the frontsled. The insertions are fixed in places with bolts, nuts and washers.

The rear sled system 255 comprises a sled plate 260, a rear sled frontmounting frame 263 and a rear sled rear mounting frame 264. The sledplate has a tilt-up front end and many mounted sockets 261. The rearsled front mounting frame and the rear sled rear mounting frame are thesame as the rear float front mounting frame and the rear float rearmounting frame, respectively, and their mountings onto the main frameare the same. The ends of the legs of the rear sled front mounting frameand the rear sled rear mounting frame are inserted into the sockets onthe sled plate. All of the insertions are secured in place by bolts,nuts and washers. There is a slot, the brake slot 262, on the sledplate.

The brake system 256 is the same as the brake system of the devicesshown in FIG. 31. The brake system is mounted on the sled plate in amanner similar to that for the devices shown in FIG. 31. The pedal linkof the brake system 256 is over the brake slot 262 of the sled plate.

The uses of the devices shown in FIG. 32 are different from thosedevices shown in FIG. 28. Since the devices shown in FIG. 32 will beover snow covered ground, and the wheels will not touch the snow, themain forces to move the bicycle are provided by pedaling and by the pushor the pull of the propeller. Because the wheels will be above snow, thebrake system which works on the wheel will not help for slowing down orbraking of the bicycle. The brake system 256 is therefore provided.During a normal operation of the bicycle, the springs of the brakeanchor will push the pedals and the pedal link 265 away from the slot ofthe sled plate. However, when the user needs to provide braking to thedevices in motion, the user will push downward the pedal of the brakesystem. This in turn pushes the tip of the pedal link into the snow ofground. This in turn also provides additional drag to the devices, andbraking action is therefore provided.

Turning of the front wheel turns the front sled, which will change thedirection of the device shown in FIG. 32. The devices shown in FIG. 32can be connected to an inflatable airfoil in the manner shown in FIGS.26 and 27. The combined device then becomes an ultra light airplanewhich can take off or land on snow.

Referring to FIG. 33, in lieu of the almost continuous plate of the sledplate 260 shown in FIG. 32, the sled plate of the rear sled system canbe modified to include skids 266. The latter may optionally have manyholes for anchoring other auxiliary components. The devices shown inFIG. 33 also have a front sled system and a brake system which aresubstantially the same as those of FIG. 32, the only difference of thesetwo systems between the two devices is in the pedal link of the brakesystems. The pedal link of the brake system shown in FIG. 33 has asemi-circular notch 277 on its bottom rim.

The uses of the devices shown in FIG. 33 are the same as those of thedevices shown in FIG. 32.

Referring to FIG. 34, the devices as shown in FIG. 33 can be equippedwith floats 267 that are mounted on the skids, the sled plate and thefront sled by means of various types of clamps 268. In this way, thedevices shown in FIG. 33 can be used on water. Furthermore, arudder/support 269 can be mounted on the bottoms of the clamps for thefront sled. A pair of hydrofoils 270 can be mounted near the tip of therudder/support. The rudder/support basically is a plate with mountingmeans to connect with the clamps above and the hydrofoil below. Two setsof struts 271 and 272 can be installed underneath some of the clamps andtwo additional hydrofoils 273 and 274 can be installed at the tips ofthe struts. This will convert the devices shown in FIG. 33 into ahydrofoil. The rudder/support will act as a rudder for the devices shownin FIG. 34.

Because the floats of the hydrofoil shown in FIG. 34 will be lifted offthe water when the hydrofoil is in adequate motion, the brake system forthe devices shown in FIG. 31, 32 or 33 will no longer be functionalduring the motion. A modified brake system thus is provided. Referringto FIGS. 34 and 35, the modified brake system 278 comprises a pedal link279, two pedals 280, two brake anchors 281, an oar 282, and an oaranchoring system 283. The pedal link is “U”-shaped plate with a gap, thepedal gap 284, in the top middle edge. There is a semi-circular notch277 in the bottom middle edge. and a hook 285 is at the middle bottom ofthe pedal link. The semi-circular notch and the hook encompass anelongated circular area. The hook can be turned on its anchoring axis.The pedals are plates mounted on the top tips of the two legs of thepedal link. There is a hole on one end of each of the pedals. The brakeanchor consists of a socket 286, an anchoring rod 287, and a spring 288.The socket is mounted on the top of the skid. The anchoring rod has anenlarged portion at one end and a hole at the other end. The anchoringrods penetrate the holes of the pedals as well as the centers of thesprings and have their ends inserted into the sockets. The insertionsare secured in place by bolts, nuts and washers. The enlarged end of theanchoring rods will keep the pedals from being pushed away from thebrake anchors by the springs. The pedal gap prevents the pedal link frominterfering with the movements of the chains 224 (also referring to FIG.28).

The oar anchoring system 283 consists of a platform 289 and two oarlocks290. The platform is a plate mounted on the two skids in front of thepedal link. There is about a 10-inch gap between the pedal link and theedge of the platform. The oarlocks are two “C”-shaped hooks withconnection rods 291 which are mounted underneath the platform. The twooarlocks are mounted about six inches apart with the opening of the“C”-shape hook facing forwards. The oar consists of a blade 292, a shaft293, and a grip 294. The blade is mounted on one end of the shaft andthe grip is on the other end. The grip is a short bar mounted at itsmiddle on an end of the shaft. Normally, the oar's shaft penetrates theelongated circular area encompassed by the hook 285 and the semicircular notch 277. The shaft lays on the hook. The elongate circulararea is about one and half times long of the diameter of the shaft ofthe oar. The hook is about a half diameter of this of the shaft. Thehook will not be able to turn when the shaft is resting on the hook,because the shaft and the pedal link will restrict the movement of thehook. The grip 294 rests in the oarlocks with the shaft staying inbetween the two oarlocks. The springs push the pedal link up which inturn pushes the oar into a roughly horizontal position. This will keepthe brake system above water.

When a brake action is needed, for example while the floats are liftedabove water during rapid movements of the devices shown in FIG. 34, theuser pushed the pedals 280 downward. The pedal link then will push downthe oar. Because the grip of the oar is inside the oarlocks, the gripwill become the pivot of the oar. The blade of the oar will be pushedinto the water and will cause added drag for the devices, and brakingaction then will take place. When the user's feet are raised off thepedals, the springs of the brake system will push the oar up to itsoriginal position.

A user can also take the oar off the brake system when the device isfloating above water. In doing so, the user firstly lifts the oar up sothat its shaft touched the semi circular notch, and the bottom of theshaft will then be cleared off the tip of the hook 285. The gap betweenthe pedal link and the edge of the platform enables the user's hands toreach the shaft and the hook. Then the user turns the hook 90 degrees.The oar then can be moved forward so that the grip comes out of theopenings of the “C”-shaped oarlocks. The user can take the oar out anduse the oar as an ordinary oar.

The floats of the devices shown in FIG. 34 can be inflatable because theforces from the hydrofoils will not be directly exerted on the floats. Avariation of the devices shown in FIG. 34 is shown in FIG. 36. In thisvariation, the floats are rigid, whereby the hydrofoils and theirassociated components can be mounted directly onto the floats or ontoplatforms which are mounted on the bottoms of the floats.

The uses of the devices shown in FIGS. 34 and 36 are similar to those ofa hydrofoil. When the devices are connected with the aforementionedinflatable airfoils, the devices then become ultra light floatplanes.

In FIG. 37, a buoyant airfoil of the type seen in FIGS. 1-3, has largerand smaller tubes which comprise lengthwise extending multiple sections54′ and 54 a′, separated by panels 354 which extend chordwise. The gasfilled interiors 355 and 355 a of the sections do not communicate withthe interiors of other sections. Therefore, accidental gas leakage from,or deflation of, any one or tow sections will not substantially reduceor affect the stability of the entire airfoil, as during forward travel.

I claim:
 1. The method of travel using a lifting airfoil inflated withbuoyancy gas, a wheeled vehicle to be propelled by pedaling, and apropeller, that includes the steps i) pedaling to wheel drive thevehicle to gain speed, ii) then pedaling to propeller drive the vehicleto gain further speed, iii) then operating the airfoil to lift thevehicle, while continuing pedaling to propeller drive the liftedair-borne vehicle, in a travel direction, vi) said airfoil provided withtethering of an aft portion of the airfoil to an aft portion of thevehicle, v) said propeller provided to be located rearwardly of said aftportion of the vehicle, vi) said tethering being at front and rearlocations below the level of the top of the propeller's rotational path,said tethering being fixed to main frame structure of the vehicle, andsaid tethering including two groups of multiple tethers extendingdivergently upwardly toward different regions of the airfoil, vii) saidairfoil including upper and lower panels, there being multiple gascontaining tubes located between said panels, said tubes includingrelatively larger cross section tubes positioned chordwise of theairfoil, and relatively smaller cross section tubes positioned tostabilize said larger cross section tubes.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein at least two additional spaced apart locations of tethering ofthe airfoil to the vehicle are provided.
 3. The method of claim 1including providing and operating a clutch to shift the drive from awheel drive mode to a propeller drive mode, between said steps i) andii).
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has a turnable frontwheel, and including configuring said front wheel as a rudder, turningthe front wheel while the vehicle is air-borne to control the directionof travel of the vehicle.
 5. The method of claim 1 including providing acontrol surface or surfaces in association with the airfoil, and movingsaid surface or surfaces to change one or more of the following: i) liftproduced via the airfoil, ii) direction of travel of the airfoil andvehicle, iii) elevation of the airfoil and vehicle.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 including providing an auxiliary torque device in associationwith the vehicle, and operating said device to increase one of saiddrives.
 7. The method of claim 1 including a brake associated with thevehicle.
 8. In combination, a) a wheeled vehicle to be propelled by userpedaling, and including pedal driven mechanism, b) a propeller carriedby the vehicle to be rotated in response to pedaling, thereby to providethrust to propel the vehicle forwardly, c) a buoyant airfoil operativelyconnected to the vehicle via multiple tethers to exert lift in responseto forward propulsion of the vehicle, d) there being at least threespaced apart locations of tethering of the airfoil to the vehicle, toenable user control of pitch and roll of the vehicle when airborne, inresponse to user shifting of position, e) said tethering being at frontand rear location below the level of the top of the propeller'srotational path, said tethering being fixed to main frame structure ofthe vehicle, and said tethering including two groups of multiple tethersextending divergently upwardly toward different regions of the airfoil,f) said airfoil including upper and lower panels, there being multiplegas containing tubes located between said panels, said tubes includingrelatively larger cross section tubes positioned chordwise of theairfoil, and relatively smaller cross section tubes positioned tostabilize said larger cross section tubes.
 9. The combination of claim 8wherein sufficient buoyant gas is provided in said tubes to exertlifting force to substantially overcome the weight of said vehicle.